Category Archives: tutorials

Annabelle BOM Month #2

Hi Everyone! I’ts been so fun to see everyone’s photos from month 1 on the Facebook Group. It always makes me happy to see people enjoying my designs! This month we will be adding a couple of borders to our center medallion. It’ll be a breeze compared to all the piecing we did last month! The first part of this month’s directions is easy-peasy! Just sew on the border strips as directed. And just so you know, ...

Read more »

Seasons BOM Month #2

I’m so excited to get going on the second installment of the Season quilt! This month we will sew another three blocks. Two are entirely pieced, and one has some applique. Let’s get started! Our first block is the Potted flower. The potted base is pretty straight forward, but the applique this month involves ...

Read more »

Welcome to the Annabelle Block of the Month!

Hello and welcome! My name is Kristin Gassaway, and I’m the designer of the Annabelle quilt sold here at Connecting Threads. I’ll be posting tips and updates as we make this quilt together over the next 9 months. For this first month we will start with a *bang* by making the center medallion portion of the quilt. ...

Read more »

Welcome to the Seasons Block of the Month!

Hello and welcome to the Seasons Block of the Month! I’m so excited to have you with on this 6 month journey as we make this happy little quilt together. Before we get started I have some important information. I inadvertently left off a few of the pressing arrows in the instructions for this first month (YIKES!). Needless ...

Read more »

Chaco Liners

Featured Tool: Chaco Liners by Clover What is this tool typically used for? This tool helps trace lines perfectly to mark fabric prior to sewing or quilting. What were your initial thoughts? Well, I’ve known and used these for years now, but at first glance I thought they were just short and fat markers. How did ...

Read more »

Wonder Under

Featured Tool: Wonder Under by Pellon Consumer Products, Item #21206  What is this tool typically used for? Wonder Under is ideal for applique–it allows fabric to maintain its soft feel after fusing. It is also machine stitchable, fuses easily in seconds, and bonds to fabric or any porous surface. How did you use it? Since it is so light weight, it is really ...

Read more »

Hold It Precision Stiletto

Featured Tool: Hold It Precision Stiletto by Clover, Item #82173  What is this tool typically used for? No more hot fingers! This is the perfect tool for pressing and sewing! Use the curved end to hold fabrics while you sew, and the rubber grip end when you are pressing. It’s also a great tool to use with ...

Read more »

YoYo Makers

Featured Tool: YoYo Makers by Clover, Item # 81857, 81858, 81837, 81838 What is this tool typically used for? The YoYo Makers are for making cute, sewn (cinched) fabric embellishments. What was your first impression of Clover’s YoYo Makers? They look like Mickey-Mouse ears! How did you use it? You cut fabric to fit 1/4″ around the plastic yo-yo maker, ...

Read more »

Clover Patchwork Pins

Featured Tool: Patchwork Pins by Clover, Item #82201 What are they typically used for? These are used for pinning fabrics before sewing–pins keep fabric in place. I use the .4mm regularly for pinning cotton fabric before piecing and sewing. The .5mm needles work better for multiple or thicker layers (like ...

Read more »

Chevron Techniques

Chevrons seem to be everywhere in quilting, home décor, and clothing. They have a modern, graphic appeal with a sense of movement and vibrancy. Since my work revolves around quilting patterns and designing, I have come across several ways to construct chevrons. While there is often more than one way to do a design or technique in quilting, it is a bit unusual to find so many methods to accomplish the same design element. Please keep in mind, I am ...

Read more »